Jason McSherry, Kosciusko County Clerk of the Circuit Court, called the Times-Union Tuesday and announced his resignation effective March 8. “I’ve taken a position at Lake City Bank. It’s one of those opportunities I can’t pass up,” he said. McSherry, a Republican, was first elected to the clerk position in 2008, and re-elected in November. He has approximately three years and nine months left in his second term. The clerk’s position has a two-term limit. “I’ve really enjoyed working in the clerk’s office. I’ve got a great staff. The most enjoyable thing for me was administering the election in the county,” he said. “I take the right to vote seriously, and everyone else’s right to vote seriously.” McSherry thanked voters and taxpayers for their support. In his four years in the position, he said he tried to streamline the office and give taxpayers the “biggest bang for their buck.” In a telephone interview, Kosciusko County Republican Party Chairman Randy Girod said it was an honor and privilege to work with McSherry. “He was extremely conscientious. He worked well with the various agencies, judges and attorneys he worked with. He has a wonderful staff and is leaving the office in a wonderful position for whoever takes his place,” Girod said. He said he expects McSherry to continue to be active in the party to the extent that he can. Finding out about McSherry’s resignation was a shock to Girod. “It was a complete surprise. It was more of a business opportunity he did not seek, but once it was offered to him, he couldn’t pass it up,” Girod said. The problem with a position like the county clerk, Girod said, is that it is term limited so whoever serves in that position only has a few years on the job before they have to seek employment elsewhere. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for him and I’m happy for him and his family,” Girod said. Since McSherry won’t have to relocate for his new job, Girod said that was an added benefit for him and his family. A caucus of eligible Kosciusko County Republican precinct committeemen to name McSherry’s replacement is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 19 in the old Kosciusko Circuit Courtroom in the county courthouse. The clerk “shall be elected by secret ballot of the majority of members of the voting caucus to fill the vacancy in the office,” according to the official Notice of Caucus provided by Girod. Girod notified the Times-Union this morning that Ann Torpy, chief deputy, has filed a declaration of candidacy for the caucus. Eligible candidates will be allowed a maximum of three minutes to address the voting caucus. Interested eligible candidates for the position must file a Declaration of Candidacy with Girod no later than 72 hours before the beginning of the caucus. Declaration of Candidacy forms are available from the Kosciusko County Clerk’s Office, 121 N. Lake St., Warsaw, beginning today.
